Chapter 96 covers miscellaneous manufactured articles under the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, including animal products other than live animals, brushes, sieves, pens, pencils, typewriter ribbons, lighters, smoking pipes, combs, hairpins, perfume sprayers, and certain other articles not elsewhere specified. This chapter belongs to the broad category of miscellaneous light-industry manufactured articles, and is strictly distinguished from Chapter 82 (tools) and Chapter 85 (electrical equipment). Pens and their parts occupy an important position in Chapter 96, reflecting the classification logic for cultural and office supplies. Heading 9608 covers ballpoint pens, felt-tipped pens, fountain pens, stylographs, propelling pencils, pen holders, pencil holders and similar pens, as well as their parts and accessories (such as nibs, clips, barrels, caps, etc.). This heading includes both finished pens and parts exclusively for pens, but excludes pen ink presented separately (classified under 3215) or pen balls (classified under 8482). Under 9608, there are multiple subheadings subdivided by pen type and parts. Code 960899 is a six-digit subheading: the first 2 digits '96' represent Chapter 96, miscellaneous manufactured articles; digits 3-4 '08' represent heading 9608, namely pens, pencils, stylographs, propelling pencils, pen holders, pencil holders and similar articles, and parts and accessories thereof; digits 5-6 '99' represent the subheading 'other', i.e., pen parts not specifically named under other subheadings of 9608 (such as 960810 ballpoint pens, 960820 felt-tipped pens, 960830 fountain pens, 960840 propelling pencils, 960850 sets of articles from two or more of the foregoing, 960860 refills for ballpoint pens, 960891 pen nibs and nib points, 960899 other). Therefore, 960899 specifically refers to pen parts other than already-named parts such as pen nibs and ballpoint pen refills, such as barrels, caps, clips, sleeves, feeds, ink reservoirs, push buttons, rotating mechanisms, etc. The goods are parts exclusively for pens and do not fall under parts specifically named under 9608 (such as 960891 pen nibs, 960860 ballpoint pen refills), so they are classified under 960899. If they were complete pens, they would be classified under 960810 to 960850 by type; if they were pen ink, they would be classified under 3215; if they were ordinary plastic or metal articles, they might be classified under Chapter 39 or Chapter 73. Therefore, the core determination lies in: whether they are parts exclusively for pens, and whether there is a more specific listing under 9608.
Chapter
Chapter 96 covers miscellaneous manufactured articles under the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, including animal products other than live animals, brushes, sieves, pens, pencils, typewriter ribbons, lighters, smoking pipes, combs, hairpins, perfume sprayers, and certain other articles not elsewhere specified. This chapter belongs to the broad category of miscellaneous light-industry manufactured articles, and is strictly distinguished from Chapter 82 (tools) and Chapter 85 (electrical equipment). Pens and their parts occupy an important position in Chapter 96, reflecting the classification logic for cultural and office supplies.
Heading
Heading 9608 covers ballpoint pens, felt-tipped pens, fountain pens, stylographs, propelling pencils, pen holders, pencil holders and similar pens, as well as their parts and accessories (such as nibs, clips, barrels, caps, etc.). This heading includes both finished pens and parts exclusively for pens, but excludes pen ink presented separately (classified under 3215) or pen balls (classified under 8482). Under 9608, there are multiple subheadings subdivided by pen type and parts.
Digit Breakdown
Code 960899 is a six-digit subheading: the first 2 digits '96' represent Chapter 96, miscellaneous manufactured articles; digits 3-4 '08' represent heading 9608, namely pens, pencils, stylographs, propelling pencils, pen holders, pencil holders and similar articles, and parts and accessories thereof; digits 5-6 '99' represent the subheading 'other', i.e., pen parts not specifically named under other subheadings of 9608 (such as 960810 ballpoint pens, 960820 felt-tipped pens, 960830 fountain pens, 960840 propelling pencils, 960850 sets of articles from two or more of the foregoing, 960860 refills for ballpoint pens, 960891 pen nibs and nib points, 960899 other). Therefore, 960899 specifically refers to pen parts other than already-named parts such as pen nibs and ballpoint pen refills, such as barrels, caps, clips, sleeves, feeds, ink reservoirs, push buttons, rotating mechanisms, etc.
Classification Basis
The goods are parts exclusively for pens and do not fall under parts specifically named under 9608 (such as 960891 pen nibs, 960860 ballpoint pen refills), so they are classified under 960899. If they were complete pens, they would be classified under 960810 to 960850 by type; if they were pen ink, they would be classified under 3215; if they were ordinary plastic or metal articles, they might be classified under Chapter 39 or Chapter 73. Therefore, the core determination lies in: whether they are parts exclusively for pens, and whether there is a more specific listing under 9608.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The Chinese and foreign-language name of the declared goods should be specific and clear, such as 'ballpoint pen barrel', 'fountain pen cap', etc., avoiding merely writing 'pen parts'. Material: The main material of the declared part, such as plastic, metal (stainless steel, copper, aluminum), rubber, wood, etc.; for mixed materials, the main material must be indicated. Use: Clearly state what type of pen the part is suitable for, such as ballpoint pen, fountain pen, propelling pencil, etc., as well as the specific function (e.g., barrel for gripping, cap for protecting the nib). Brand: The brand or trademark of the declared goods; if there is no brand, indicate 'no brand'. Model: The model or item number of the declared goods to facilitate identification of specific specifications. Whether in sets: Whether the declared parts are complete sets of unassembled parts or presented separately; if in sets, indicate which parts are included. Processing method: Briefly describe the processing technique of the part, such as injection molding, stamping, turning, assembly, etc. Product name: ballpoint pen barrel; Material: plastic (ABS); Use: for ballpoint pens, gripping part; Brand: M&G; Model: AGP-12345; Whether in sets: No; Processing method: injection molding. Confusing pen parts with complete pens; complete pens should be classified under 960810, etc., not 960899. Mistakenly classifying pen ink under 960899, when it should actually be classified under 3215. Mistakenly classifying general-purpose plastic or metal parts under 960899; if they cannot be proven to be exclusively for pens, they should be classified by material. Ignoring the declaration of brand and model, leading to customs valuation or classification doubts. Understanding the scope of 'other pen parts' too broadly and incorrectly classifying already-named parts (such as pen nibs).
Product name
The Chinese and foreign-language name of the declared goods should be specific and clear, such as 'ballpoint pen barrel', 'fountain pen cap', etc., avoiding merely writing 'pen parts'.
⚠️ Declaring only 'pen parts' or 'stationery accessories' without specifying the exact part name.
Material
The main material of the declared part, such as plastic, metal (stainless steel, copper, aluminum), rubber, wood, etc.; for mixed materials, the main material must be indicated.
⚠️ Writing only 'plastic' without distinguishing ABS, PP, etc., or failing to indicate the type of metal.
Use
Clearly state what type of pen the part is suitable for, such as ballpoint pen, fountain pen, propelling pencil, etc., as well as the specific function (e.g., barrel for gripping, cap for protecting the nib).
⚠️ The use description is too general, such as 'for pens' without stating the type of pen.
Brand
The brand or trademark of the declared goods; if there is no brand, indicate 'no brand'.
⚠️ Failing to declare the brand or incorrectly declaring 'no brand' when there is actually a trademark.
Model
The model or item number of the declared goods to facilitate identification of specific specifications.
⚠️ The model is incomplete or inconsistent with the actual goods.
Whether in sets
Whether the declared parts are complete sets of unassembled parts or presented separately; if in sets, indicate which parts are included.
⚠️ Declaring a set of parts as individual parts, resulting in classification errors.
Processing method
Briefly describe the processing technique of the part, such as injection molding, stamping, turning, assembly, etc.
⚠️ Failing to declare the processing method, affecting classification determination.
Confusing pen parts with complete pens; complete pens should be classified under 960810, etc., not 960899.
Mistakenly classifying pen ink under 960899, when it should actually be classified under 3215.
Mistakenly classifying general-purpose plastic or metal parts under 960899; if they cannot be proven to be exclusively for pens, they should be classified by material.
Ignoring the declaration of brand and model, leading to customs valuation or classification doubts.
Understanding the scope of 'other pen parts' too broadly and incorrectly classifying already-named parts (such as pen nibs).
🎯 Classification Logic
The core classification criteria are: 1) whether the goods are parts exclusively for pens; 2) whether there is a more specific listing under heading 9608. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Import and Export Tariff, 9608 includes parts of pens, but pen nibs and nib points are classified under 960891, and ballpoint pen refills under 960860. Therefore, other pen parts not elsewhere specified are classified under 960899. If the parts can be used generally for other articles, they are classified by material. 960891 Pen nibs and nib points: 960891 specifically refers to pen nibs and their nib points, while 960899 covers other pen parts such as barrels and caps. 960860 Refills for ballpoint pens: 960860 is for ballpoint pen refills (including the ball and ink tube), while 960899 is for other parts of ballpoint pens, such as barrels and caps. 3215 Ink: 3215 is writing or drawing ink, while 960899 is physical parts of pens, not including ink. 3926 Other articles of plastics: If plastic parts cannot be proven to be exclusively for pens, they are classified under 3926; if they can be proven to be exclusively for pens, they are classified under 960899. 8482 Rolling bearings: Pen balls, if presented separately, may be classified under 8482, but are usually classified under 9608 as part of pen parts. Are the parts exclusively for pens? Do they belong to parts already named under 9608? Does the material affect classification? Are they presented in sets? Are the brand and model fully declared?
Basis
The core classification criteria are: 1) whether the goods are parts exclusively for pens; 2) whether there is a more specific listing under heading 9608. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Import and Export Tariff, 9608 includes parts of pens, but pen nibs and nib points are classified under 960891, and ballpoint pen refills under 960860. Therefore, other pen parts not elsewhere specified are classified under 960899. If the parts can be used generally for other articles, they are classified by material.
Confused Codes：
960891 - Pen nibs and nib points
960891 specifically refers to pen nibs and their nib points, while 960899 covers other pen parts such as barrels and caps.
960860 - Refills for ballpoint pens
960860 is for ballpoint pen refills (including the ball and ink tube), while 960899 is for other parts of ballpoint pens, such as barrels and caps.
3215 - Ink
3215 is writing or drawing ink, while 960899 is physical parts of pens, not including ink.
3926 - Other articles of plastics
If plastic parts cannot be proven to be exclusively for pens, they are classified under 3926; if they can be proven to be exclusively for pens, they are classified under 960899.
8482 - Rolling bearings
Pen balls, if presented separately, may be classified under 8482, but are usually classified under 9608 as part of pen parts.
Self-Check：
✓ Are the parts exclusively for pens?
✓ Do they belong to parts already named under 9608?
✓ Does the material affect classification?
✓ Are they presented in sets?
✓ Are the brand and model fully declared?
❓ FAQ
How to determine whether a pen part should be classified under 960899 or by material? The key is whether it is exclusively for pens. If it can be proven that the part is used only for pens and is not named under other subheadings of 9608, it is classified under 960899; if it can be used generally for other articles, it is classified by material (e.g., plastics under Chapter 39, metal under Chapter 73). Can ballpoint pen refills and barrels be classified together under 960899? No. Ballpoint pen refills should be classified under 960860, and barrels under 960899, and they must be declared separately. If presented as a set, they may be classified according to the rules for sets of goods, but usually they are still classified separately. Under which code should fountain pen nibs be classified? Fountain pen nibs are classified under 960891, and nib points are also classified under 960891. Other parts such as barrels and caps are classified under 960899. Should pen ink be classified under 960899? No. Pen ink is a chemical product and should be classified under 3215. 960899 applies only to physical parts of pens, not including ink. How are parts of propelling pencils classified? Parts of propelling pencils, if not named under other subheadings of 9608, are classified under 960899. However, refills (lead) for propelling pencils are classified under 960920. When declaring 960899, is it necessary to provide drawings or specifications of the parts? It is recommended to provide them to prove that the parts are exclusively for pens. Customs may require samples, drawings, or test reports to confirm classification. What is the export tax rebate rate for 960899? The rebate rate changes with policy adjustments. Please consult the latest export tax rebate rate database or consult your local customs. It can usually be queried in the rebate system by commodity code. How can cross-border e-commerce sales of pen parts simplify declaration? Cross-border e-commerce can fill in the cross-border e-commerce retail export commodity declaration list announced by the General Administration of Customs, but must accurately declare product name, material, use, and other elements to avoid returns or penalties due to classification errors.
Q: How to determine whether a pen part should be classified under 960899 or by material?
A: The key is whether it is exclusively for pens. If it can be proven that the part is used only for pens and is not named under other subheadings of 9608, it is classified under 960899; if it can be used generally for other articles, it is classified by material (e.g., plastics under Chapter 39, metal under Chapter 73).
Q: Can ballpoint pen refills and barrels be classified together under 960899?
A: No. Ballpoint pen refills should be classified under 960860, and barrels under 960899, and they must be declared separately. If presented as a set, they may be classified according to the rules for sets of goods, but usually they are still classified separately.
Q: Under which code should fountain pen nibs be classified?
A: Fountain pen nibs are classified under 960891, and nib points are also classified under 960891. Other parts such as barrels and caps are classified under 960899.
Q: Should pen ink be classified under 960899?
A: No. Pen ink is a chemical product and should be classified under 3215. 960899 applies only to physical parts of pens, not including ink.
Q: How are parts of propelling pencils classified?
A: Parts of propelling pencils, if not named under other subheadings of 9608, are classified under 960899. However, refills (lead) for propelling pencils are classified under 960920.
Q: When declaring 960899, is it necessary to provide drawings or specifications of the parts?
A: It is recommended to provide them to prove that the parts are exclusively for pens. Customs may require samples, drawings, or test reports to confirm classification.
Q: What is the export tax rebate rate for 960899?
A: The rebate rate changes with policy adjustments. Please consult the latest export tax rebate rate database or consult your local customs. It can usually be queried in the rebate system by commodity code.
Q: How can cross-border e-commerce sales of pen parts simplify declaration?
A: Cross-border e-commerce can fill in the cross-border e-commerce retail export commodity declaration list announced by the General Administration of Customs, but must accurately declare product name, material, use, and other elements to avoid returns or penalties due to classification errors.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.